Avian Flu
Avian Flu May Be the Next Pandemic (site also has video of this talk)
A deadly influenza outbreak may be on the horizon. Since 1997, a strain of avian flu known as H5N1 has spread rapidly among birds in East Asia, reaching as far north as Siberia. If this strain, which has killed 55 percent of its known human victims, mutates into a virus easily transmitted by people, the resulting pandemic could kill millions and would have staggering global social and economic impacts. “It is not if it is going to happen. It is when, and where, and how bad,” said Dr. Michael Osterholm at the first meeting sponsored by the Wilson Center’s new Global Health Initiative on September 19. “Welcome to my nightmare,” warned Helen Branswell, a Canadian medical reporter speaking at the conference. Read the complete event summary.
And on a lighter note: Avian Flu information for Kids!
Fun! Well, maybe not.